Driving on Nepal’s Hill Roads: 10 Safety Tips

Most of Nepal is hills and mountains, so most long drives involve winding roads with steep drops and sharp bends. These ten habits will keep you safe and relaxed.

• Drive in daylight. Unlit roads and oncoming headlights make hill driving at night far riskier.
• Sound your horn before blind bends. A short tap tells oncoming traffic you are there.
• Keep left on corners. Buses and trucks often swing wide, so leave room.
• Use a low gear going downhill. Let the engine slow the car instead of riding the brakes, which can overheat.
• Overtake only on long, clear straights. If you cannot see well ahead, wait.
• Be patient behind trucks. They are slow on climbs; a safe gap to pass will come.
• Watch for people and animals. Villages sit right on the highway, and goats and cows wander.
• Expect roadworks. One-way sections and loose gravel are common; follow the flagman.
• Stop every two hours. Fatigue builds quickly on constant bends.
• Check the weather. In the monsoon, ask about landslides before you set out.

If you are not comfortable

There is no shame in handing the wheel to someone who drives these roads every day. Hiring a driver for the hill sections, and self-driving on the flat, is a popular and sensible mix.